Artificial eye



oct. 16, 1951 I F w JARDON 2,571,721

ARTIFICIAL EYE Filed Jan. 30, 1948 2s 22 7 24 zur); s"

Y INVENTOR. FE1-rz. w. JARDQN Patented Oct. 16, 1951 ARTIFICIAL EYE Fritz W. Jai-don, Southbridge, Mass., assigner to American Optical Company,

Southbridge,

Mass., a voluntary association of Massachusetts Application January 30, 1948, Serial No. 5,253

21 Claims.

This invention relates to artificial eyes and more particularly to implant typeeyes and method of making the same.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide an implant type artificial eye of plastic material having the main eye portion, including the iris pattern and surrounding scleral portion, formed to simulate as closely as possible the normal eye, with said portion removably connected with a plastic insert having means to which the muscular structure of the eye may be directly or indirectly attached, whereby the complete removable portion will move in a manner simulating the movement of a normal eye.

Another object is to provide an eye of the above character having its corneal portion surrounded at least in part by a broader portion having the appearance of the caruncula lachrymalis of the eye.

Another object is to provide an implant portion for eyes of the above character having connecting means in the form of a wire mesh of columbium or tantalum metal, having its edge portions embodied in said implant portion and covering a selected area of said implant portion, whereby the motive muscles such as the various rectus muscles, including the Tenons capsule'and conjunctiva, may be sutured thereto and the tissue growth may interlock therewith.

Another object is to provide, in combination with an implant member of the above character, a removable main eye portion with said implant and'rnain eye portion having intertting means so formed as to inherently locate the main eye portion in proper position of use.

Another object is to provide an implant of the above character having a front portion formed with interconnecting means with which the main eye portion may be assembled and having metallic mesh surrounding the adjacent area of the implant portion, with the forward edge of said metallic mesh spaced slightly from said forward portion and covering the adjacent sides or intermediate area of the implant with the rear of the implant having no mesh covering thereon.

Another object is to provide an implantv member of the above character having only its portion intermediate the front and rear thereof covered with metallic mesh and having its `contour edges in secured relation with or imbedded in said implant portion.

Another object is to provide an implant portion of the' above character which may be used either with complete eye enucleation or an eviseration type of operation, that is, the said implant portion may be used either with or without a detachable main eye portion.

Another object is the provision of a main eye portion having separate interconnecting means so formed as to permit the main eye portion to be easily adjusted in assembly with the implant portion to enable the main eye portion to be located in a position more nearly resembling the normal eye.

Another object is to provide an articial eye of the above character whereby the various parts will retain their assembled relation with each other during use.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, as hereinafter set forth, an artificial eye which is simple in its construction and arrangement, durable, thoroughly eicient in its use, readily assembled, natural appearing, light in weight, mobile and non-irritating, as well as impervious to changes in temperature and to socket secretions, resistant to breakage and comparatively economical to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of an artificial eye formed according to the present invention and showing the main eye portion detached from the implant portion;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View of said eye;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the eye taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the main eye portion of the articial eye;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating particularly the connecting means for the muscular structure;

Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views illustrating steps in the process of manufacture and development of the iris portion;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the main eye portion of a modified form of artificial eye illustrating particularly the interconnecting means for connecting the main eye portion to the implant portion; and Fig. 9 is a rear elevation of the main eye Dortion shown in Fig. S.

The improvements in artificial eyes as herein shown and described are particularly outstanding as compared with known prior art artificial eyes, particularly artificial eyes formed of glass, as such eyes cannot be lit-ted to the degree of accuracy of the eye of the present invention to more nearly approach the appearance of a normal eye and more particularly the appearance Aof the normal eye of the particular individual for which the artificial eye is being provided.

The eye embodying the present invention, as distinguished from known prior art artificial eyes which are entirely held in place by the eyelids and the cul-de-sac, is fabricated from carefully selected materials and with structural features ena-bling the implant portion of said eye to be permanently secured within the patients eye socket at the time that the patients deficient eye is enucleated or eviserated.

The said eye further distinguishes fromI most artificial eyes of the known prior art type in that it is provided with means whereby the motive muscular structure of the eye being removed may be attached to the artificial eye and will impart movements thereto simulating those of. the normal eye.

A further distinction. is. that the. eye of the present invention is extremely light in weight, may be altered as to shape so as to. meet the requirementsv of the particular individual and is carefully controlled as to size and color of' the iris, pupil, scleral vein pattern, and caruncula lachrymalis so as to resemble the size and appearance characteristics of the normal eye.

The eye is particularly resistant to breakage, will retain its color characteristics and is of. such nature as to be non-irritating to the socket tissues and more particularly is greatly resistant to changes in temperature and to socket secretions.

The present artificial eye further distinguishes from the known prior art. artificial eyes by embodying novel means associated' with and. forming apart of the implant portion of the eye to provide for easier and more. satisfactory and efficient attachment of theV muscular structure to the eye and also to provide an improved means to which the tissues will more easily adhere and grow, to prevent` them from. growing into a mass in the socket. and in timer exert a pressure upon the eyeball with the consequent bulging effect unnatural to the normal-Y eye..

A still further distinguishing feature ofthe present invention is that while. the4 implant portion of the eye is permanently located within the eye socket and cannot be removed except by surgery, the main eye portion may be removed at any time for cleaning or thev like or. for replacement, and. when reinserted and in cooperative engagement with the implant portionA will be controlled by the implant portion to movevin accordance. with the urgings of the muscular structure connected to the implant portion. and in harmony with the patients. good eye.

Referring more particularly tothe drawing wherein like characters of reference designate like parts throughout the several views, the artificial eye embodying the presentv invention-com.- prises broadly an implantportion Iii-and aseparate removable main eye portion I I-. T-he implant portion I includes a ball portion I2=- molded.- or otherwise formed to the size and shape desired and is preferably formed of a whitish translucent plastic material, such as methyl. methacrylate having white or other desired color pigments added thereto.- The said ball portion. I-2 is preferably molded to shape in asuitable mold by placing the plastic in a doughyv stateinthe mold and then subjecting the said-mold toheat and pressure of an amount suilcientY to cause the plastic to assume the shape of the mold cavity. It is, of course, to be understood that the mold cavity is of the shape and size desired of the ball portion.

The frontal surface of the ball portion I2 is flattened as indicated at I3 (Figs. 1 and 3) and preferably formed with a narrow internal curvature or concavity having a centrally located deeper depression I4. The depression I4 is adapted tov loosely receive an extension formed on the main eye portion as will be hereinafter described and is shaped in substantial coincidence with the external surface of the extension.

The. main. eye portion II includes an iris portion I5 (Fig. 2), a scleral portion IB, a rear disc or cap I1, a peripheral border or caruncula lachrymalis portion I8, and a transparent covering t9.

The scleral portion IB is molded and colored in a manner. similar to the ball portion I2 and is. shaped substantially circular to resemble' the white or scleral portion oi a normal eye. The disc or cap I1 is similarly formed and has provided on the rear' surface thereof an extension 2B adapted to be loosely inserted in the depressionk I4 of the ball portion I2. The extension andY depression are of matching contours to form atypical male and female type connection'wherein the extensionforming the male portion of the connection is initially permitted a limited freedom of movement to adjust the main eye portion IIA to the implantportion I0 as will be more clearly described hereinafter. The cap I'I' is secured to the rear. surface' of the scleralY portion I6 through the use of a doughy or syrupy cement mixture 2I' of a polymer and monomer andmay be of essentially the same color as that used in molding the cap IT and scleral portion I6. The. cap l1 and scleral portion I6 are' provided with a layer oi the mixture 2| therebetween which. after the related' parts are properly adjusted and when hardened forms. a permanent xative to immovably connect the cap to the scleral portion. The assembly after the mixturehas. been allowed' to harden, may be ground so that the perpheries of the parts will assume a. substantially iush relation.

The assembledscleral portion. I6 and" cap I1 thusform. a singleunit having formed integral therewith. and around the periphery thereof' by a second. molding. operationV a peripheral border I8 shaped. and colored to resemble the caruncula lachrymalis oi' the normal eye. This peripheral border I8r couldpif desired, be formed integral with` the main eye portion simultaneous tothe for-ming of said por-tion. Zinc oxide may be used. with. Vermilion red,V burnt umber, hommel vitreous blue,.or any other mixture may be used to obtain the pinkish flesh color effect of the caruncula lachrymalis of a normal eye. This second molding operation' results in an eye of predetermined size and. shape` as' determined Aby the. use of. trialeyes inserted in the' patients eyesocket; with the mold being'made from the selected'trial eye, thus'assuringanaturally comfortable relation between the articial" eye' and the socket. The border? I8v also serves to` provide a.. larger surface areal' to. assist the eyelids in retaining. themain eye portionl in position; as will bev seen -more clearly hereinafter.

In the front of the scleral'portion' IiV- there is formed a countersink or re'ce'ss in the" position where theV irisl5vis` toibe located and is of substantially, the. same diameter asthe'iris to be formed in the resu1tant`eye-` Vticizer such as dibutyl phthalate or the like.

'The iris portion I5 is preferably a photograph of the good eye of the individual or is a photograph selected from a stock of. negatives and which possesses the major characteristics. of the individuals good eye. From this negative a positive is formed on a transparent stripping lm. This particular type of film, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 7, has a relatively thick backing 22 of cellulose acetate adapted to support a superimposed very thin layer 23 of cellulose nitrate. On the layer of cellulose nitrate there is a layer 24 of gelatin which contains photographic materials such as a photosensitive compound. Other compounds such as bromide or iodide or mixtures thereof may be used which, when exposed and developed, will cause the layer to contain a photographic picture of the eye in different tones varying from black to the transparent depending upon the photographic pattern of the iris.

The color effect of the iris of the good eye is reproduced on this film 'by suspending an inorganic pigment in a syrupy liquid consisting of methyl methacrylate .polymer dissolved in methyl methacrylate monomer or partially polymerized methyl methacrylate which may contain a plas- The color of the inorganic pigment used, of course, is selected according to the color of the eye to be produced and one or more of several different `colors may be used and placed on the gelatin layer containing the photographic picture of the iris by painting or brushing streaks or bands of said color or colors thereon depending upon the effect to be produced. The pigment is essentially opaque and thereby causes the pigmented coating 25 resulting from the above to be-an opaque layer.

It is to be understood, of course, that the pupil, indicated at 26, is first produced on the film by applying a coating of black pigment in a syrupy liquid to the pupil area of the photographic lm after which the pigmented coating 25 is applied or the pupil may be produced photographically, thereby requiring no painting. In instances when it is painted a transparent pupil area is formed during the photographic process. The pupil area is controlled in size during the forming thereof so as to appear to be substantially the size of the pupil of the normal eye under normal conditions of use. If desired the pupil may be in the form of an opening of the diameter of the pupil desired and having a coating of black pigment in a monomer polymer mixture placed in the back of the opening.

The monomer which acts as a solvent for the pigmented layer partially evaporates after being applied to the film and is partially converted into polymerized form by a curing process which takes place during the heating and compressing of the eye during the final forming thereof.

The coated layer of cellulose nitrate 23 having the pigmented coating 25 thereon is then stripped off the cellulose acetate backing 22 and is cemented to a small bevelled transparent plastic disc 21, as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 6. The nitrate layer is preferably secured to the disc 21 by a coating of cement 28 of thesame syrupy solution that the pigments are suspended in and is -have no injurious effect on the plastic.

6 tially of the size of the yfinished iris to be formed. For example, the portion of the film having the iris developed thereon may be in thev form' of a square piece with the iris centrally thereof. When this is attached tothe disc, the square portion is then cut away about the contour of the The disc 21 4having the Airis portion secured thereto is then secured in the recess in the front of the scleral portion i6 through the use of a doughy mixture 29 `of a polymer and monomer essentially the same as that used in molding the scleral portion I6. The disc 21 is pressed into the doughy mixture within the said recess with a sufficient amount of pressure to cause the doughy mixture to ooze out around the sides of the disc 21, leaving a very thin underlayer SII and causing the outer surface of the disc to assume a substantially ush relation with the adjacent outer surface of the scleral portion I6. Care is taken that the doughy mixture completely fills the space surrounding the disc 21.V The excess portion of the doughy mixture which oozes outis removed and the eye at this stage is set aside to permit thedoughy mixture to harden. This takes place mostly by evaporation at room temperature.

The assembly, after the doughy mixture has been allowed to harden, may be ground down to cause the surface of the oozed-out portion to assume a relatively smooth, flush relation with the outer surface of 'the disc 21 and the adjacent outer surface of the scleral portion I6. The effect of the bevelled contour edge of the disc 21 s t0 cause the insert surrounding the said disc to be of a wedge sectional shape with the result that the wedge increases the density as it progresses outwardly from its upper edge.

At the completion of forming the scleral portion I6 with the iris insert and the peripheral border I8 or caruncula lachrymalis, the scleral portion, after having been properly nished by smoothing or grinding or other desirable surfacing, may be tinted to match the scleral portion of the normal eye. This is accomplished by painting a vein structure on said scleral portion simulating the visible vein structure of the normal eye, using pigments of the proper color in water which contains a suitable wetting agent such as soap or other known commercial wetting agents, that is, any known material which lowers the surface tension of water and which would The scleral portion may also be tinted where most of the vein structure is locatedr by using a suspension of pigments of the proper color in a methyl methacrylate monomer such as mentioned above and achieves the effect of many small practicallyA invisible veins. The coating resulting from this tinting is then allowed to dry and harden and the outer surface of the scleral portion is then smoothened as mentioned above. The vein structure may also be formed by a solution such as described above for tinting the solera.

The outer transparent layer or covering I9 is formed by placing a deposit of a doughy polymer and monomer mixture over the iris insert I5, the exposed surface of the scleral portion IIS and a portion of the peripheral border I8 as shown in Fig. 3. This is accomplished by placing a deposit of said doughy mixture in a mold having a mold aperture therein of the shape desired of thek Y 7 anhin; @compressingttejiam portion navixng the iris insert: I therein intolaidmoldV under theuagction 'of heatw and pressure to "cause the 'doug'hy polymer-and monomer miiture to-"flo'w 'to the "shapen'of the "mold cavity. yThe-:parts l'are f l`li'eld' in this relation under vheat and -ps'surelI f or atirne interval sufcientvto cause thecompiete jasserrihly 'to `loin into a homogeneous :structure with the said Yplastic compositions"harderied jthrough the completion of `polymeriz'ationand jcausingthe Qompletecuring of the irisandipignientedcoatings u Y l The' molded eye portion is then removed' from the mold, which mold may lbe of anyY conventional "type not shown. The `outer 'surface :may lie frough'andslightIyIniSShapen. To bring the veye `b;ack"t`o "theslra'pe Idesired* the outer'siliface is Y.groundto einovel'the unwanted-'portion' of clear or' transparent plastic andthe-said eye is'then shapeidesired. Y o v l 'The resultanti'eye, therefore, `will 'be essentially of a' plastic composition having Ya clear' transpar- "e'nt coating `overlyingtheiris andfbeing curved f substantial-1y to the curvatureF of the'c'rn'ea 'of the "normal eye,"thereby causing'said resultant eye to possess substantially `the same visiblejcllaracteri'stic'zsasv the corneal portion of saidnormal eye.

L v jQnef of the uniqueadvantages ylofi' the present construction isthat'the'jvarious parts 'of the "eye areformed of'plasticmaterial"having-substantial :lythe same coefficient of *expansien'*s oI tha-tithe shrinkage' taking place during the formingof the eye''iiillbe substantially-uniformso that therel is "l'sstende'ncy or dangerjof'separatiiinofftheyar'i- :resins maybe used such as acrylic jresins, meth`- facrylic resins, methyl acrylate,l'b'ntyl acryla'te, g'polys'tyreneor the vlike or any lnovnr articial Y:resins capable' of withstanding eye-'secretions and '.which, under conditions of'use, will-not`iritte ithe socket tissues. f.

VThe ball portion I2 of thes'implantporton' l formed to substantially kthe slfiapeand sizffof :the eye of the individualwhichis-tob replaced :and the surface 'of said portion ivl2 is preferably given a rough texture as by grinding or sanding. ifi

Suitable circumferential 'slots 3 I" andy '-32 "are formed in the ball portion I2 in spac'edpaiallel metallic Wire'rnesh 33 Aformed preferably sriot the'wiresbeing-:ofadiameter nearly approaching the wdthrof' theV slotsv 'and when forced-down linto ythe slotswith the edges of themesh they serve-to 'tautenthe exposed surface of the mesh an'dto retain the edges ofthe mesh in theV slots. thel edges ofthe mesh are anchored in the-slots,

lthe'slots are completely lled with a doughy 'mirture (Fig. `1') of a polymer and monomer essentially' the same as that used in -rnoulding the ball portion' I2. The slots are lled with a sulfi- `cient amount'of thev doughymixture to bringthe surface flush with: the` adjacent contour 'surface of the ball portion I 2 and the mixture-allowed tohar'dem thus sealing the edges of theniesh `permanently `in place. This mesh is used attaching the motive muscles ofthe eye totheball 5'portion I2. Y "the implant portion I0, which inthe subject in- It is particularly pointed out `that vention includes the mesh33,is1shaped ysothat )when placed within the cavity of the eye of the vindividual for" whom the artificial eye hasbeen formed, it -.will havefsubstantially the same freedom' of lmovement as they normal eye and the *mesh`33' constituting apart of the implant-portion' Ii), asset forth above, is vused as attachment means for securing theV external and internal rectus muscles as'well "as the Y superior 4and-finferor 'rectus'muscles to said implant portion.

The method employed.l in removing the eye-f' of an individualfan'd of replacing said eyewithan artificial eye' embodying the present imfentionis substantially as follows:

A'cut is f'ormed:through the conjunctiva'about 14thecon'tour `of 'the .cornea of the eye vto 'bef fremoved. TheA conjunctiva villustrated diagrammatically ata, is then'Lrolld-backwardly-of the solera to expose the.extc'a'rnalY and internal' rectus muscles as well as the superior and inferior 'rectus muscles, the muscles beingde'signated bywnumeral 3l in the drawing appended hereto.

`A Vvery fine 'tantalum"wire- 38'is Athen threadedly attached "to each of the muscles'adjaeenttheir point of connection to the eyeball. Each muscle i's-'then "cut clear ofthe eyeball afterthetantalum 'wire-isattached thereto Iandzthe eyeball-is i-then removed from vthev socket.

The'implant `portion' 4il 8 of 'the artificial eye', em-

' -kc'dyingfthe present inventionis then -selectedfand placed in the socket. TheJ muscular lstructure' fis ltherr-attacl'ied to'fthe Jportion l0 by stitching-fthe 'tanta-lum" wiresv 138 Ythrough'the :openings .in .the

mesh -33fin such'amanner: as-tosew the ends-fof 'themuscles 3.1 -toithemeshl This securely .at-

` vtaches each'oftherespectivemuscles to theimplant portion lfll.

` After all the A'musszileswhave been attached to the implant port'ionl Oof thearticial plastic :eye as i's'et forth `above, 'tantalum Wirel is threaded through the Tenons :capsule `(not shown' y)adjacent 'the loe'ationwhere the' capsule Vjoins' the conjunctiva, fthat'f'isfadjacent the 'points'.'of :connection of themusc'lesiwith Lthe eyes. Theiccningfsutures .therin' as indicated vat "39 :to iconneot the conjunctiva -tc the-mesh '33.

The `eye tissues arethen allowedv tofhealiwhere- Vupon lthefconjunctiva willfas'sume' a-relatively vtaut intimate overlying lrela-tion with' the-gim- "plant portion'fof theleyeandk the' said portion-,vre-

acting to the normal functions of atheffmuscles attachedtheretdwillmove in a manner simulating the movements of afnormalieyeball. -=Thef.said -poitionlvvillffpermanentlyi remain 11 in i position A'iin -the eye socket and will possess all of the motive functions of the normal eyeball.

Due to the fact that the surface of the mesh 33 is formed with openings and of a relatively rough texture, the tissues of the eye socket will tend to adhere and grow thereto rather than becoming massed within the cavity behind the artificial eyeball, thus causing the said eye to have a relatively normal function.

At any time after securing the conjunctiva to the implant portion l2 the main eye portion may be inserted in the eye socket with the extenson 20 engaging the recess or depression I4. The cap Il of the main eye portion will thus abut the frontal concave surface of the implant portion Il! with the caruncula lachrymalis overhan'ging slightly the frontal outer contour edge of the portion IU, and the eyelids are then permitted to close over the main eye portion similar to a normal eye, the eyelids being sufficient to retain theA main eye portion ll` in cooperative Vrelation with the implant portion ID. When assembling the cap portion Il having the projection 20 thereon with the scleral portion I6, and prior to the allowing of the syrupy cement 2l to set or harden the said projection portion 20 may be adjusted laterally or its longitudinal axis tilted with respect to the scleral portion in order to locate the iris of the eye in proper position. This is accomplished either by initially forming the cap portion l1 slightly smaller in diameter than the inner dimension of the cavity or rear surface of the scleral portion I6 on which it is seated or by trimming the edges of the cap portion I1 and tting it to the rear of the scleral portion. The projection 20 can thus be located in proper position with respect to the iris. To alter the angle of the longitudinal axis of the projection 20 with respect to the scleral portion a coating of cement 2l slightly in excess of the final thickness desired may be placed on the rear of the scleral portion and the cap portion held in proper angular relation with respect to said scleral portion while being pressed inwardly of said layer of cement. When the cement sets and hardens it will retain the projection -20 in fixed adjusted position.

Thus, the completely assembled artificial eye will posses all of the motive functions and appearance of the normal eye.

Although applicant has referred to specific means and method of securing the muscles to the eyeballs, and for securing the main eye p-ortion to the implant portion, it is to be understood that various different means and methods may be employed within the scope of the invention. A modification of the means for connecting the main eye portion Il to the implant portion I is disclosed in Figs. 8 and 9 wherein a cavity 42 is formed directly in the rear surfacey of the scleral portion I6 of the portion ll and adapted to adjustably receive the flared flattened end portion 43 of a projection 44 which may be cemented in the cavity by a suitable mixture such as hereinbefore recited, the projection being shaped to coincide with the internal shape of the depression in the frontal surface of the implant portion of the artificial eye with which it is to be related.

It is apparent that the projection 43, when being secured to the main eye portion may be adjusted laterally or may be angled with respect to said main eye portion as desired and accord'- ing to the vrequirements of the individual to whom the eye isbeing fitted and according to itA the position in which the eye is to be supported in the socket. This provides means whereby any desired adjustment may be made to control the position of the iris according to the requirements of the individual.

The implant portion I2 tapers or curves rearwardly as indicated at 4I to provide clearance whereby the said portion will have free universal movement in the socket whereby it will respond more easily to the full extent of movement imparted by the motive muscles. The implant portion I2 with the attached mesh 33 functions to ll in the cavity formed by removing the human eye and serves to retain the tissues of the socket in place and to cause the front or main eye portion Il of the eye to assume a position simulating that of the normal eye in its socket, that is, it prevents the sclera or cornea of the artificial eye from being set in -or protruding outwardly too far with respect to the related position of the normal eye.

Although the implant portion has been described above as being employed with the enucleation technique, it is to be understood that the implant may be used with the eviseration technique wherein, instead of completely removing the eyeball while retaining the muscles intact and attaching them directly to the eyeball, an incision -is made between the inferior and superior or lateral and medial rectus. The interior of the eyeball is then removed. A circumv ferential incision is made around the iris portion and the said iris is then removed'. The implant is inserted through the incision with its frontal portion protruding through the iris window. The incision is sutured to the tantalum mesh. The conjunctiva is subsequently drawn about the front of the implant by a purse string type suture. Upon healing the tissues of the eye grow into bonded relation with the mesh of the implant portion of the eye and thereby indirectly connects the muscular structure to the implant.

It is to be understood that in this latter case the frontal part of the implant portion may, if desired, be provided with an integrally protruding portion in which the recess or socket I4 may be formed for receiving the projection of themain eye portion and the conjunctiva is drawn about the periphery of the protrusion.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that simple, efficient and economical means and methods have been provided for accomplishing all of the objects and advantages of the invention.

It will be apparent that many changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement of parts shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that allr matter set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim: i

1. An artificial eye comprising an implant portion shaped for insertion within the eye socket of an individual, a removable main eye portion cooperatively associated with said implant portion and having a scleral portion with an iris implant simulating that of the normal eye, a border portion associated w-ith said scleral portion to simulate the caruncula lachrymalis of a normal eye, and means for adjustably connecting said main eye portion to said implant portion comprising an extension formed on the rear sur- "lll face-'of 'said maineyeportion, 'and 'a'- recess lformed kinithelror'ital surface-ofsaid implantportionsaid extension being" adapted "to reside "in 'said recess to Avlocate the main eye `portion in properpositlon of use.

2. The'method Aof 'forming Yan Iartificialieye comprising kshaping a'n irn'plant portion tof'iit within the socket of an leyewvhich hasbeenmemoved, shaping 'asecond por-tion to'simulate the-soleral portion-of a r'normal eye and securing with it an'ir'is simulating'theiris' 'cfa normal eye;l shaping' additional "material 'about said scleralportion to'zform `a borderz'portion simulating theY carunculai `lachryxnalisofk a` normal eye, `4 and rmounting'said second portion onf the implant portion.

3: VVitin artificial eye Acomprising aniinplarlt por- .tion'shape'd 'for insertion within the eye-socket of'an "individual, a'freinovable A` main eye .portion cooperatively' associated with saidv implant por' tion, and a sheath of a foraminousnature-secured about" said-"implant portion-and to which the motivemuscular structure-"of the'feye being replaced by `said artificial e'ye maybeeattachedl fl: An1artifciaflfeye comprising an :implant por- -tion Ishaped for insertion Within=the`eye socketfof an individual, affor'aminou's sheath :carriedpy said 'implant portion `for attachmentV of the `1motive 'muscularstructure of thef'eye, va 'main eye portion cooperativi-ilyy associated '-.vith saidimplant-portion `a'ndliaving 'a scleral :portion and an? iris portion simulating said portionsf of4 the normal eye; and'means for removably connecting` `said main eyefportionto""saidf 7 implant portion.'

A5. An artificialleyecomprising a'nfimplan't portion-shaped for' insertion'within the eyesocket fof anfindividuat 'a` main eye' portion cooperatively assoc-iated'with said' implant portion;4 said Yimplant portion' ha'vingfa circumferen'tialY chan'- nel' formed thereinI 'and' spaced slightly 'rear- Wardly of 'the frontal `surface 'thereof' andav seco'nd channel :spaced 'parallel' to f and rearwardly of Vsaid rstohannel; 'and connection vmeans ofi a foraminous 1nature adapted to lbe* disposed circumfe'rentially over the-surface' of` said implant Yportion"betweem'saidA channels, having its edges limbe'ddedini 'the channels, andadapted Yfor attachment .of "the-'motive muscular structure of fthe' eye.

6. Anartificia'lfeyecomprisin'gfan implantpor- -tio'n'4 shaped for insertion' within the eye socket o'fl an individual,L a main eye portioncooperatively associated With said implant portion, said Aimplant.portion :having -a circumferentialV channel lformed therein .and 'spaced `slightly `rear- `Warollyl of the rfrontal surface thereof and asecond-channel spaced .parallel-tc and rearwardly of-said flrst=channel, and connectionvrmeansof a fora-minous' 1nature adapted to be disposed V`ciroumferentially-over the surface of said-implant :portion -between-said channels, having its edges imbedded in the channels, and adapted for-.attachment of the motive muscular structure of -thefeye, said main-eye* portion having a -scleral :portion andaniris portion simulating said portions-vof the 4normal yeye-.and a border portion associated with said .scleralportion to simu- -late the caruncula lachryrnalis of .the normal eye.

-'7. Anarticial eye comprising an implant-portion shapedfor insertion within the eye socket `of an individual, Aa Amain eye portion cooperatively associated with .said implant portion, vsaid implant portion having a circumferential channel formed therein and spaced slightly rear- Vportion shaped for socket-'ofen individualpamain eye portionfcowardlyxof the vfrontal-'surfacefthereof:.ancha second channel spaced parallel to. and`v rearwardly 'ofsaid' rstchannel, connection Ymeans" 'of a forarninous nature adapted to be disposed" circumferentially over the surface of said :implant portion between-said channels, lhaving its edges imbedded in the channels, `and adapted'forf'attachment of the lmotive muscular structure' of the eye, and :means-for-adjustably"connecting saidhma'in eye' portionA toA said implant portion comprising an extension formed on 'therearsurfaceof* saidv main eye portion, .and a' recess .formed in the frontal surface'fofv said implant portion, said' extension being adapted to, reside in 'said recess to locate the mainleyeportionin proper position 'of use.

8. An a-rticial 'eye comprising; an implant portion shaped for insertion' within the eye socket of an individual, a'r main -eye--portion cooperatively associated with saidimplantgportion, said-implant portion having'fa circumferential channel formed therein'andspacedfslightlysrearwardly rof vthe 'frontal surface theieofand' asecond 'channel spaced parallel to and: rearwardly of said first channel,:connection means-of a Sioraminous nature adapted to loerdispcsed :circum ferentially .over the -surfacef ofr said implant :portion between said channels, having-l. its: edges.:im bedded in thechannels, and l adapted-for attachment ofy the: motive: muscular Jstructurex'of lthe eye; said main eye-port'ronvhavingA 'a1 scleral portion and-v an irisiportion"simulatingf said portions -off the normal eye; and-a border portion-.associvatedf with said sclerall portion.y to'.y simulate: fthe caruncula lachrymalis of the normalfeye, and means for adjustablyconnectmg said main eye portion' to-said Iimplant-jportiomcomprising an aftension -formed on the'rear surface.Y of' said maine-eye portion, land a .recessrformed-:in the frontal surface ofrsaidfimplant port-ion, saidfexe ftension being adapted to. residef'inrsaidrecessto -locatethe main eye portion in; ,fpropenposition offuse.

9. An articial -eye comprising .an implant insertionv within' the Bye operatively associated with saidrimplantporiion,

Asaid limplant', portion having -a ycircumferential channel formed therein ya-ndrspacedV slightlyrearwardly of the frontal Vvsurface-thereof and'.` a. second channel spaced parallel-toiandtrearwa-rdly of said.` rst channel, connection -means of va f0- raminousnature-adapted v.to vbe disposed circumferentially over thesurface. of said implant por- -tion between said channelsfhaving itsedgesimbedded inv the channels, andfadaptedior .Y attach.-

Vment of the motive .muscular structure .of the eye, and. means .for detachably connecting said main eye portion to said' implant portion, said .means comprising. a .connection portion securable `to .the .rear surface of .sa'ir-llmain` eyeportion .and

-havingan extension adapted .tofit withina re,-

cess formed in the frontal surface of said implant portion, the position of said-connection .portion on the rear surface of the main eye ,portion'being variable according tothe desired nal .related position of said main, eye portion with respect to said implant portion, and means for'securing said connection portion in said related position.

10. An artificial eye comprising an implant portion shaped for insertion within the 'eye socket of an individual, a'main eyeportion cooperatively associated With 'saidimplant portion, said .implant portion having a circumferential channelformedtherein and'spa'cedslightly'rearwardly of the frontal surface thereof and a second channel spaced parallel-to and rearwardly of said first channel, connection means of a foraminous nature adaptedto be disposed circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion between said channels, having its edges iml 4face of saidmain eye portion and adapted to Ifit within a recess formed in the frontal surface of said implant portion, the position of said extension relative to said rear surface of the main eye portion being adjustable to'permit said main eye portion to assume a desired related position with respect to said implant portion when in connected relation therewith, and means for mounting the extension on said rear surface of the main eye portion in said. position.

l1. The method of forming an artificial eye comprising shaping an implant portion to fit within the socket of an eye which has been removed, detachably securing va representation of the natural eye to the front side of said implant portion, and securing a sheath of foraminous material circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion for attachment of the mtive muscular structure of the eye.

12. The method of forming an artificial eye comprising shaping an implant portion to fit within the socket of an eye which has been removed, adjustably attaching a representation of a natural eye to said implant portion, channelling circumferentially said implant portion, disposing a sheathing of foraminous nature circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion for attachment of the motive muscular structure of the eye, and xedly securing an edge portion of said foraminous sheathing within said channel.

13. The method of forming an artificial eye comprising shaping an implant portion to t within the socket of an eye which hasbeen removed, detachably securing a main eye portion to said implant portion, circumferentially channelling said implant portion to form a pair of encircling channels, disposing connection means of a foraminous nature circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion between said channels for attachment of the motive muscular structure of the eye, xedly securing the edge portions of said connection means within said channels, and forming a border portion about said main eye portion simulating the caruncula lachrymalis of a normal eye.

14. The method of forming an artificial eye comprising shaping an implant portion to fit within the socket of an eye which has been removed, circumferentially grooving said implant portion to form spaced channels thereabout, disposing connection means of a foraminous nature circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion between said channels for attachment of the motive muscular structure of the eye, xedly securing the edge portions of said connection means within said channels, and adjustably connecting a main eye portion simulating the external appearance of the removed eye to said implantp'ortion by the steps of locating a cap member on the rear surface of said main eye portion having a tongue member on the rear surface thereof, forming a recess in the frontal surface of saidv implant portion for reception of said tongue, andv securing said cap member to the main eye portion.

l5. The method of forming an artificial eye comprising shaping an implant portion to t within the socket of an eye which has been removed, circumferentially grooving said implant portion to vprovide spaced channels thereabout, disposing connectionmeans of a foraminous nature circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion between said channels for attachment of the motive muscular structure of the eye, xedly securing the edge portions of said connection means within said channels, shaping material to provide a main eye portion having'a scleral portion to simulate the scleral' portion of a normal eye and a border portion simulating the caruncula` lachrymalis of a normal eye, assembling an iris portion therewith and locating on and securing to the rear surface of said main eye portion a cap member having a tongue member, and forming a recess on the frontal surface of said implant portion for reception of said v tongue.

16.V An artificial eye comprising an implant portion shaped for insertion within the eye socket of an individual and having formed therein a pair of spaced lcircumferential channels, a main eye portion cooperatively associated with said implant portion, and connection means of a foraminous nature carried by said implant portion and to which the motive muscular structure of the eye being replaced by said artificial eye may be attached, said connection means being disposed circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion between said channels and having edge portions thereof imbedded in the channels.

17. An artificial eye comprising an implant portion shaped for insertion within the eye socket of an individual and having formed therein a pair of spaced circumferential channels, a main eye portion cooperatively associated with said implant portion, connection means of a foraminous nature carried by said implant portion and to which the motive muscular structure of the eye being replaced by said artificial eye may be attached, said connection means being disposed circumferentially over the surface of said implant portion between said channels and having edge portions thereof imbedded in the channels, means for attaching said connection means to said implant portion embodying retaining members adapted by wedging action to confine the edges of said connection means within the respective channels, and fillers of plastic material adapted to be disposed within said channels about said retaining members and said edges to mbed said members and said edges and to seal the channels.

18. An artificial eye comprising an implant member shaped for insertion in the eye socket of an individual, a main eye member having a simulation of a naturel iris visible from the forward side thereof, said main eye member having a recess on the rear side thereof and a connection member having a disc-like portion for securement in said recess on the rear side of said main eye member, said disc-like portion of the connection member and implant member having cooperative means embodying a pin and socket whereby said main eye member may be readily attached and separated from the implant member when lsaid disc-like portion -of the connection member is in secured relation therewith. n

1'9. An artiiicial eye comprising an implant member shaped for insertion in the eye socket `of an individual, a main eye member -having a simulation of a natural iris visible from the for- Ward side thereof, said main eye member having a depressed area on the rear side thereof, and a connection member having a disc-like portion for securement in said depressed area on the rear sideof said ma-in eye member, said disc-like portionofthe connection member having an extension to detachably t within a recess formed in the frontsurface of the implant member whereby said `maineyemember may be readily attached 'to and yseparated fromfthe implant member when -said` connection member -is in secured relation therewith. Y

20.*-An yartificial eye comprising an implant member shaped -ior insertion in the eyeV socket of an individual and having a recess in the for- Ward side thereof, af-main 'eye member having a ysirruilation of Aa natural iris visible lfrom the forward 'side thereof, and a connection member 4embodying a fdisceli-ke portion fixedly Vsecured to the rear 7side vof said main eye member, said connection member having a portion of reduced sectionex'tending fromsaid disc-like portion'thereof 'and adapted to 'detachably fit in said recess in ilhe'rforvv'ad sideof the implant Amember whereby REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ile of this patent:

iumber Name Date 2,322,117 Dimitry June l5, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date -l9,625 Great Britain Nov. l, 1892 OTHER REFERENCES Ruedemann, A. D., Plastic Eye Implant, American Journal of Ophthalmology, August 1946, pages 947-952.

Archives of Ophthalmology, volume 37, #1, January 1947, pages 73, 74 and 78; A Positive Contact Ball and Ring Implant for Use After Enucleation, by N. L. Cutler. (A copy is in Div. 55 of the Patent OiTice.) 

